Modine first broke into movies in 1983 with three films (Baby, It's You; Private School; Streamers) and then distinguished himself in a brilliant performance in Birdy (1984), depicting a psychologically disturbed Vietnam veteran. His irony-tinged lead role in Stanley Kubrick'sFull Metal Jacket (1987) was followed by a lighter touch in Married to the Mob (1988), opposite Michelle Pfeiffer. Other works include Memphis Belle (1990), Bye, Bye Love (1995), and Any Given Sunday (1999).